Adding Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to Lotion Base for Sun Protection

Asked by: jayjaydecoupage On: March 16, 2015 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I would like to ask about adding Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to a lotion base to create a sunscreen.

Specifically, I plan to add:

  • Zinc Oxide 5%
  • Titanium Dioxide 5%

Can this be done, and how will it affect the lotion's texture and appearance on the skin (e.g., white cast)?

Answer

Based on the information provided, it is possible to add sunscreen ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to an existing lotion base.

Regarding the percentages you mentioned (5% Zinc Oxide and 5% Titanium Dioxide):

  • These are common physical sunscreen ingredients.
  • Physical sunscreens like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are known for their high stability and do not degrade easily when exposed to sunlight.
  • However, using them, especially at higher concentrations, can affect the feel of the lotion, potentially making it feel heavier or sticky on the skin.
  • Titanium Dioxide, in particular, can cause a white cast or "ghosting" effect on the skin, which some people dislike, although others might prefer it for a whitening effect.
  • The concentration can be adjusted to suit your preference regarding skin feel and the level of whiteness.

In contrast, chemical sunscreens generally offer a lighter feel but some older types can be less stable in sunlight, while newer ones like DHHB are highly stable.

Adding these ingredients allows you to incorporate sun protection into your preferred lotion, keeping in mind the potential effects on texture and appearance.

Tags

Lotion Sun Protection Sunscreen Formulation Texture White Cast Reduction